Why bands give us purpose (ft. MUNA)

2hollis is the underground’s genre-hopping vampire

Jun 18, 202631 minSummary

In this episode, the hosts explore the rise of 2hollis, a 22-year-old artist they categorize under the burgeoning genre of feral pop. Characterized by uninhibited, experimental genre-blending, feral pop utilizes hyper-processed vocals, fragmented digital sounds, and heavy electronic textures. The hosts analyze how 2hollis—who fuses elements of rap, EDM, and hard-style techno—has become a significant underground figure with a massive, dedicated following. A central point of discussion is the technical evolution of the genre, specifically the use of the OTT (over-the-top) compression effect, which gives the music its characteristic bright, aggressive, and flattened sound. The hosts also examine 2hollis’s deliberate aesthetic, noting his "aura-driven" image as a modern, vampiric figure that resonates deeply with Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Despite the music’s disorienting, lo-fi nature and "anechoic" production, the hosts argue that 2hollis’s work represents a pivotal, forward-looking shift in pop music. They conclude that his ability to synthesize trap influences with chaotic electronic production signals a new era of music that prioritizes digital methodology and unfiltered, raw expression over traditional studio polishedness.

Pop music for an internet-pilled generation

Jun 17, 202625 minSummary

In this episode of Switched on Pop, the hosts explore the burgeoning genre of feral pop, a style of music characterized by its wild, undomesticated, and primal approach to sound design. The discussion centers on the work of artist underscores, specifically her album You. The hosts analyze how she blends diverse influences—ranging from early 2000s electronic music and dubstep to the polished, multi-genre structures of K-pop—to create a sound that feels both futuristic and distinctly digital. Throughout the conversation, the hosts highlight underscores' ability to treat music as a technological playground. They examine tracks that feature industrial, mechanical textures, chopped and screwed vocals, and meta-commentary on the nature of music itself. By comparing her production style to the legacies of Madonna, Timbaland, and Skrillex, the hosts illustrate how feral pop thrives on the flattening of cultural hierarchies. The episode frames this movement as an internet-pilled phenomenon where every genre, sound, and era is fair game, ultimately defining feral pop as an optimistic, boundary-pushing response to the mundanity of modern life.

The new wave of pop is here, and it’s feral

Jun 16, 202631 minSummary

In this episode of Switched on Pop, the hosts explore the emergence of a raw, unpredictable micro-genre they have dubbed "Feral Pop." This sound, characterized by its undomesticated and instinctual energy, represents a departure from traditional mainstream pop. The hosts argue that Feral Pop is defined by its deep roots in digital culture, citing influences like the late producer Sophie and DJ Skrillex, whose heavy, stuttering dubstep textures serve as a primary "north star" for the genre. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Australian artist Nina Jirachi and her debut album, I Love My Computer. The hosts analyze how Jirachi’s music fetishizes technology, blending nostalgic nods to 2000s-era digital tools like the iPod Touch with modern, genre-bending production techniques. They describe the music as an amalgamation of EDM, dance-punk, and meta-lyrical songwriting, all held together by a sense of "techno-optimism." Rather than painting computers as dystopian, the genre presents them as deeply human, personal objects. The episode concludes by positioning Feral Pop as a technical, highly intentional movement that resonates deeply with a generation that has grown up entirely online.

Olivia Rodrigo has The Cure for sadness

Jun 15, 202642 minSummary

In this episode of Switched on Pop, the hosts analyze Olivia Rodrigo’s third studio album, You Se Pretty Sad for a Girl in Love, produced by Dan Nigro. The discussion explores the album's bipartite structure, which mirrors a journey from the excitement of new desire to the complex reality of fulfillment. The hosts highlight Rodrigo’s evolving songwriting techniques, specifically identifying a melodic structure they term the spiral song, where choruses build tension and momentum, delaying the release of the title phrase until the very end. A central theme of the episode is the album's deep, organic homage to the band The Cure, which the hosts interpret not as imitation, but as a genuine reflection of Rodrigo’s current artistic headspace. They also examine the use of a volta verse, a theatrical device that introduces entirely new musical ideas midway through a track. By blending influences from New Wave, musical theater, and her own established artistic mythology, Rodrigo is described as crafting an intimate, unapologetic project that prioritizes creative depth over traditional commercial pop conventions, ultimately reinforcing her status as a maturing songwriter in control of her craft.

Paul McCartney went back to Liverpool for something new to say

Jun 9, 202642 minSummary

In this episode of Switched on Pop, hosts Charlie Harding and Nate Sloan explore the creative evolution of Paul McCartney’s late-career work, specifically focusing on his recent album, Boys of Dungeon Lane. The discussion centers on how McCartney manages to honor his massive musical legacy while successfully crafting something fresh, experimental, and age-appropriate. The hosts analyze the album’s opening track to demonstrate how McCartney uses harmonic dissonance and surprising chord structures—theories like the chromatic mediant—to create a sense of reflective uncertainty. They highlight his collaboration with producer Andrew Watt, noting how the partnership brings a modern, edgy production quality to McCartney's classic melodic sensibilities. Throughout the episode, Harding and Sloan identify thematic threads of nostalgia, citing references to early Beatles history, McCartney’s teenage friendships, and his Liverpool upbringing. The episode also touches on the emotional significance of McCartney’s first-ever duet with Ringo Starr, noting how the singer’s naturally aged, husky voice adds a layer of raw sincerity to the music. Ultimately, the hosts praise McCartney for his continued curiosity and his refusal to rely on safe, formulaic nostalgia, instead choosing to explore new musical territory at eighty-three.

How a sci-fi dystopia became a personal utopia (ft. Arc Iris)

Jun 5, 202613 minSummary

In this episode, the hosts sit down with Josie Adams and Zach Tenorio of the band Arc Iris to discuss their ambitious new concept album, Ie Tomorrow. Originally conceived as a sci-fi ballet, the project depicts a future ruled by a mega-corporation where AI-driven pods offer artificial fulfillment to a displaced populace. The conversation explores how the band’s creative journey mirrored the very themes of their work. After the live performance of the piece was abruptly halted by the global pandemic in 2020, the duo experienced a period of profound transition, moving from Rhode Island to Los Angeles. During this time, they faced the challenges of rebuilding a dilapidated house and living in a tiny shed, effectively creating their own reality in the absence of traditional venues. Ultimately, the episode reveals how the band transformed the tension of a fictional dystopia into a personal utopia. By building their own studio, hosting a concert series, and completing the record through life-changing milestones like marriage and parenthood, Arc Iris successfully bridged the gap between their futuristic vision and their real-world experience.

Drake's Slop Era

May 26, 202655 minSummary

In this episode of Switched on Pop, hosts Charlie Harding, Nate Sloan, and producer Reanna Cruz analyze the sudden release of three new solo albums from Drake: Ice Man, Habibi, and Maid of Honor. These projects mark his first major musical output following a highly publicized and damaging feud with Kendrick Lamar. The hosts explore whether this massive, 43-track data dump constitutes a new era of what they call Drake Slop—a strategy defined by mass-produced, unedited content that challenges the traditional album rollout format. The discussion centers on Drake’s psychological state and his attempts to rehabilitate his image. The hosts examine lyrical motifs of pettiness, vindictiveness, and identity crises, noting how Drake uses his music to settle scores while simultaneously leaning into country-trap aesthetics and R&B vibes. Throughout the episode, the team parses specific lines, samples, and artistic choices—including the controversial Michael Jackson-inspired imagery—to determine if this strategy of vulnerability and aggression is a calculated artistic evolution or a defensive reaction to being publicly outclassed. Ultimately, the hosts offer a critical look at how a global superstar navigates a post-beef landscape.

Kacey Musgraves walks country’s borderlands

May 19, 202639 minSummary

In this episode of Switched on Pop, hosts Charlie Harding and Nate Sloan explore the evolution of Kacey Musgraves through her 2024 album, Middle of Nowhere. The hosts reflect on their long-standing coverage of the artist, noting that this latest project marks a return to the grounded, small-town storytelling and traditional instrumentation that defined her early work. They discuss how Musgraves masterfully blends humor, deep emotional vulnerability, and sharp, universal observations, particularly in tracks like Dry Spell and the collaboration with Miranda Lambert, Horses and Divorces. The discussion delves into how Musgraves creates a sonic landscape that pays homage to her Texas roots, incorporating Tejano, mariachi, and outlaw country influences. The hosts also examine the broader landscape of modern country music, comparing Musgraves’ progressive approach to the career of newer artists like Ella Langley. They conclude by analyzing how the genre is increasingly becoming a battleground for political identity, highlighting how Musgraves utilizes her music and public platform to engage with complex cultural narratives, ultimately reasserting herself as a definitive and radical voice in contemporary country music.

Jazz is A$AP Rocky’s secret weapon

Does humor belong in music?